Infrastructure Bill in Montana

What Does the Infrastructure Bill Mean for Montana?

by Derf Johnson

On November 15, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, which will infuse $1.2 trillion into the aging infrastructure of the U.S. and result in some major, generational changes. The bill has important implications for Montana’s environmental, transportation, and energy sectors. The bill was supported by Sen. Jon Tester and opposed by both Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Matt Rosendale.

Below, we’ve listed some of the money earmarked for energy infrastructure projects in Montana. This is not a comprehensive list, as it only focuses on energy, and the dollar amounts will be stretched over a five-year time period. How the funds will be managed and disbursed is still somewhat unknown, as different federal agencies need to go through administrative processes and likely conduct rulemaking on the different programs.

• $43 million is earmarked for Montana’s

Electric Vehicle program, primarily to establish charging station infrastructure.

With most major auto manufacturers transitioning to production of electric vehicles in the next 15 years, this infrastructure spending is essential. • An estimated $3.9 million will be allocated to the Montana State Energy

Office (SEO) at the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. This will significantly expand the ability of the

SEO to conduct its current activities, such as education, outreach, research, and planning on renewable energy. • Approximately $1.9 million will be allocated to the Montana State Energy

Office for the Energy Efficiency and

Conservation Block Grant Program. • Approximately $29 million will be allocated to Montana’s Weatherization

Assistance Program. This will help make low-income housing more energy efficient, affordable, and comfortable. • $800,000 may be allocated to the Montana

State Energy Office for the Energy

Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund Grant

Program, which would fund energy efficiency projects for commercial and residential buildings. The receipt of the money depends on how the federal grant program decides which 15 states to select.

We know these dollar amounts are guaranteed for Montana, but the infrastructure bill also authorized a competitive grant program, in which Montana state and local governments and Tribes may apply for additional funding, such as $2.5 billion in funds for a grant program administered through the Department of Administration for charging stations and fueling infrastructure.

Come December, Congress is likely to finally consider passage of the reconciliation legislation, which will include a number of other measures related to energy and the environment. We will make sure to update you on how the reconciliation package will impact Montana.

Join the MEIC team!

Our Clean Energy Advocate, Conor Ploeger, is off to new ventures. We wish him all the best and will miss him around the MEIC office.

So, we’ve got an opening for a Clean Energy program staffer. We’re looking for someone with savvy, energy, and passion for working towards clean energy solutions in Montana. If you or someone you know might be interested in applying, please share!

Position Summary: The Clean Energy staffer develops and implements MEIC’s clean energy campaigns, which aim to address the climate crisis and accelerate an equitable transition from fossil fuels to clean energy through adoption of creative and strong clean energy policies in Montana. These responsibilities include lobbying government officials, working with utilities and state agencies, public advocacy, organizing, outreach, and developing and implementing clean energy programs that restore and protect a clean and healthful environment for all Montanans. Issues include, but are not limited to: renewable energy, storage, conservation and energy efficiency; low-carbon fuels; utility planning; transmission; building decarbonization; and clean transportation.

To Apply: Please combine a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information for three references into a single PDF file (preferably) and email to jobs@meic.org. Application review began November 30, but the position is open until filled.

Find the full description and application instructions on our website: www.meic.org/cleanenergy-advocate